First Church of Sterling Heights

Our Story

Our present can only be possible because of our history. A history that began with the burden and self-sacrifice of Carl and Mary Hill. The Hill’s were retired and living in a time of life when most people slow down and enjoy what they’ve saved for their “golden years”. That may be fine for many people but not them.

Carl and Mary had a great burden to minister to children and so decided to begin a church. Services began on Sunday, May 27, 1962 in a storefront on John R in Madison Heights. Attendance for their first service was nine. Five of those in attendance were adults and four were under 6 years of age. But, children were what they were relying on. Children – grow them and you will “grow” a church. No internet, no fancy printing equipment just simple flyers handed out by the children that “drew” and then “grew” a small congregation.

They cashed in their retirement to allow their congregation to continue and expand. In 1966 they moved to a building on Lincoln Avenue and built a sanctuary and two additions. Growth continued and in 1977 they purchased an elementary school on Gardenia Avenue and remodeled it in April 1979. In Spring of 1993 we moved into our present location on Dequindre Road.

We hope First Church in Sterling Heights can be for you what it has been to so many….a home where you can “grow” your children to know God and trust that in an unstable world they have a “rock” they can cling to. First Church desires to be a church that promotes family, community, and love for one another.

What We Believe

First Church is founded upon the belief that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.

We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Acts 2:38.

We believe there is only one God, Dueteronomy 6:4. He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), as the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).

We believe in the great commission and are endeavoring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, mercy and compassion.

We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues, Acts 2:4.

We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He ministers to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy; words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, healing, helps and government, Mark 16:15-18; Acts 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1-11.